Times of India

A devastating head-on collision between an SUV and a sand-laden truck on Patiala-Samana road claimed six lives, including five schoolchildren aged between seven and twelve. The accident occurred near Nassupur village, leaving seven others injured. The impact was so severe that the SUV was mangled, requiring a JCB to retrieve the bodies.

Following Indian government intervention, Sotheby's Hong Kong has postponed the auction of the Piprahwa Buddhist Relics. The culture ministry, along with the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of External Affairs, will engage stakeholders to discuss the relics' repatriation to India. A delegation emphasized the relics' sacred significance and rightful ownership by India, leading to the auction's postponement.

The Supreme Court has enhanced EVM integrity checks by ruling that the symbol loading unit must remain unchanged during candidate-requested mock polls. This order came with the acceptance of the Election Commission's amended technical SOP, which includes self-diagnosis and mutual authentication. Engineers will also certify the software and memory of EVMs to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals accused under the anti-money laundering law are entitled to receive a comprehensive list of all documents and materials collected by the Enforcement Directorate during the investigation, including those not directly relied upon in the complaint. This decision aims to ensure a fair trial by allowing the accused access to potentially exculpatory evidence, reinforcing their right to defend themselves effectively.

The "Pushpa Gang," an organized group of pickpockets from Andhra Pradesh, was apprehended at Badrinath shrine for targeting Char Dham pilgrims. The gang, led by Krishna Chhedoja, flew to Uttarakhand and other pilgrimage sites, exploiting crowds to steal valuables. Police recovered cash, mobile phones, and ATM cards after intensified surveillance following numerous theft complaints from devotees.

Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan initiated heavy artillery and mortar fire along the LoC in J&K, resulting in a tragic loss of civilian lives, including children, and numerous injuries. The intense shelling, impacting areas like Poonch and Rajouri, prompted evacuations and shelter activations. Authorities are providing relief and medical assistance while addressing the escalating cross-border tensions.

Despite fears of escalating tensions in Britain following India's military strike, calm prevails as the Indian and Pakistani diaspora maintain amicable relations. Community leaders emphasize that their conflict lies with terrorism, not with any specific community or nationality. While expressing concern for families in the region, British Pakistanis foresee no spillover of tensions onto UK streets, highlighting their shared history and camaraderie.

Following Chennai Super Kings' victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, captain MS Dhoni addressed his IPL future, stating he'll decide after assessing his body's ability to handle the game's demands over the next 6-8 months. Acknowledging fan support, Dhoni, 42, recognises he's in the final phase of his career.

The UK government urges Pakistan to intensify efforts against terrorism within its borders, emphasizing the threat it poses to regional stability and its own citizens. British ministers call for de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan amidst rising tensions, offering support for mediation. Concerns are raised about the impact on British nationals and diaspora communities, with some MPs advocating for UNSC involvement.

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's PM Sharif asserted in Parliament that its army swiftly retaliated against Indian strikes, claiming to have downed five Indian jets, though without providing evidence. Pakistan reports casualties in PoK and Punjab, alleging attacks on civilian areas, including a mosque. The NSC condemned India's actions as 'acts of war,' vowing a response and reserving the right to self-defense, while briefing China on the situation.

The Federal Reserve, under Jerome Powell, held steady the benchmark interest rate, amidst concerns about balancing maximum employment and controlling inflation near the 2% target. The Fed will closely monitor incoming data and evolving outlook while reducing its holdings of Treasury securities.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets in a thrilling match, jeopardizing KKR's playoff chances and ending CSK's four-match losing streak. Dewald Brevis's explosive innings of 52 off 25 balls shifted the momentum after an early CSK collapse.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in a thrilling match. This victory significantly impacts the playoff race. Kolkata Knight Riders' chances for the top four are now uncertain. Chennai Super Kings, though out of contention, displayed a strong performance. The points table sees Gujarat Titans leading, with other teams closely competing for playoff spots.

Ravindra Jadeja etched his name in Chennai Super Kings' history, surpassing Dwayne Bravo as the leading IPL wicket-taker with 141 wickets. Kolkata Knight Riders, after winning the toss, posted 179-6, powered by Ajinkya Rahane's impactful innings of 48 and Andre Russell's cameo of 38.

The Char Dham yatra has experienced a 26% decrease in pilgrim footfall compared to last year, with 2.9 lakh devotees visiting the shrines. Officials attribute this decline to improved planning and staggered registration, implemented to prevent overcrowding. Despite the slower start due to the staggered opening schedule, the yatra is expected to gain momentum later in May, with over 25 lakh people already registered.

Following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched 'Operation Sindoor,' a retaliatory strike destroying nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor lauded the operation and praised its codename's emotional resonance and the armed forces' decisive action. "Clever, especially given the government’s penchant for creative acronyms! But jokes apart, #OperationSindoor is a brilliant name," Tharoor said in a post on X.

Roger Binny and Devajit Saikia lauded Rohit Sharma on his Test retirement, acknowledging his calm leadership and team-first approach. Sharma, who debuted in 2013, played 67 Tests, amassing 4,301 runs with 12 centuries. As captain, he secured 12 wins in 24 Tests, leaving behind a legacy of discipline and excellence, while continuing to participate in ODI campaigns.

Starlink has received a Letter of Intent from the Indian government for its satellite communication services, signaling progress in its pursuit of an Indian satcom license.